In 2024, Qatar’s export landscape was dominated by its energy sector, particularly liquefied natural gas (LNG), along with significant contributions from petrochemicals and industrial products. The top ten export categories, based on available data, are as follows:
- Petroleum Gases and Other Gaseous Hydrocarbons: This category, including LNG, condensates, propane, and butane, remained Qatar’s primary export, with July 2024 alone seeing exports worth approximately QAR 17.6 billion, marking a 3.7% year-on-year increase. Economy Middle East+1India Seatrade News+1
- Crude Petroleum Oils: Exports of crude petroleum oils experienced a decline, with July 2024 figures showing a decrease of 8.3% to QAR 4.9 billion compared to the previous year. Economy Middle East+1India Seatrade News+1
- Refined Petroleum Oils: This category saw a 5.2% decrease in July 2024, amounting to QAR 2.6 billion in exports. Economy Middle East+2India Seatrade News+2Marhaba+2
- Chemical Fertilizers: There was a significant surge in chemical fertilizer exports, with a 379.6% increase year-on-year, making it one of the fastest-growing export sectors. QNA+7Gulf Times+7Gulf Times+7
- Aluminum and Aluminum Products: Exports in this category grew by 6.1% year-on-year, reaching various global markets. The Peninsula Newspaper
- Chemicals: Chemical exports experienced a substantial rise of 233.7% compared to the previous year, indicating a robust expansion in this sector. Qatar Tribune+3The Peninsula Newspaper+3Gulf Times+3
- Lotrene (Low-Density Polyethylene): Exports of Lotrene increased by 233.7% year-on-year, reflecting growing demand in international markets. QNA+5Gulf Times+5The Peninsula Newspaper+5
- Steel and Steel Products: This sector saw a 72.9% increase in exports year-on-year, highlighting Qatar’s expanding industrial capabilities. Gulf Times
- Petrochemicals: Petrochemical exports rose by 11.9% year-on-year, contributing significantly to the country’s industrial export portfolio.
- Paraffin: Exports of paraffin experienced a 156.8% increase year-on-year, indicating a notable rise in global demand.
These figures underscore Qatar’s strategic focus on diversifying its export base beyond traditional energy products, with significant growth observed in the petrochemical and industrial sectors.
In 2024, Qatar’s exports of petroleum gases and other gaseous hydrocarbons—primarily liquefied natural gas (LNG), propane, and butane—remained the cornerstone of its economy, despite some fluctuations in value and volume.
📊 Export Performance
- Export Value: In September 2024, Qatar exported QAR 16.7 billion worth of petroleum gases and related products, a slight decrease from QAR 17.1 billion in August. CEIC Data
- Annual Export Volume: Qatar exported approximately 79.5 million metric tons of LNG in 2024, positioning it as the world’s third-largest LNG exporter, following the U.S. and Australia. Reuters+1Reuters+1
🌍 Key Export Destinations
In 2023, the primary markets for Qatar’s petroleum gases and other gaseous hydrocarbons were:
- South Korea: $10.5 billion (17.8%)
- China: $9.97 billion (16.8%)
- India: $9.68 billion (16.3%)
- Italy: $3.22 billion (5.44%)
- Pakistan: $3.21 billion (5.43%)
- Singapore: $2.72 billion (4.61%)
- United Arab Emirates: $2.61 billion (4.41%)
- Other Asia, nes: $2.39 billion (4.04%)
- Belgium: $2.35 billion (3.98%)
- Bangladesh: $1.83 billion (3.1%) TrendEconomy
🔄 Strategic Developments
- North Field Expansion: Qatar is undertaking an ambitious expansion of its North Field, aiming to increase LNG production capacity by 85%, from 77 million tons per annum to 142 million tons by 2030. Reuters
- Long-Term Agreements: QatarEnergy has secured significant long-term LNG supply agreements, including a deal with Shell to supply 3 million metric tons annually to China starting in January 2025. Reuters+1Reuters+1
- Market Diversification: While Japan has historically been a major importer, Qatar’s LNG exports to Japan have declined due to factors like the restart of nuclear reactors and the expiration of long-term contracts. Consequently, Qatar is diversifying its markets, focusing more on China and other Asian countries. Reuters
📈 Outlook
Despite a 30% decrease in the value of petroleum gas exports in 2023 compared to 2022, Qatar’s strategic initiatives, such as the North Field expansion and new long-term contracts, position it for sustained growth in the global energy market. Reuters
In 2024, Qatar’s crude petroleum oil exports remained a significant component of its energy sector, though they were overshadowed by the country’s dominant liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports.
🛢️ Production Overview
Qatar’s crude oil production in 2024 averaged approximately 1.316 million barrels per day (bpd), reflecting a modest increase from 1.299 million bpd in 2023. This uptick was largely attributed to redevelopment efforts in mature oil fields, notably the Al-Shaheen and Dukhan fields, aimed at mitigating natural decline rates and enhancing recovery through advanced techniques like enhanced oil recovery (EOR) .YCharts+1countryeconomy.com+1Energy Intelligence
It’s important to note that Qatar’s total petroleum liquids production encompasses not only crude oil but also significant volumes of condensates and hydrocarbon gas liquids (HGLs). As of 2022, crude oil constituted about 33% of Qatar’s total liquids production, with condensates and HGLs making up a substantial portion due to the country’s extensive natural gas operations .
🌍 Export Markets
While specific export data for 2024 is limited, historical trends indicate that approximately two-thirds of Qatar’s crude oil exports are directed to Asian markets. Key importers include Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Thailand, and India. The remaining exports are primarily shipped to European OECD countries and China .Oilmena
📈 Outlook
Looking ahead, Qatar is expected to continue focusing on optimizing its crude oil production through technological advancements and field redevelopment projects. However, the nation’s strategic emphasis remains on expanding its LNG capacity, particularly with the ongoing North Field expansion, which aims to significantly boost LNG output in the coming years.
In summary, while crude petroleum oils continue to play a vital role in Qatar’s export portfolio, the country’s future growth and energy strategy are increasingly centered around its natural gas resources and related products.
In 2023, Qatar’s exports of refined petroleum oils—classified under HS Code 2710—amounted to approximately $8.54 billion, constituting about 8.74% of the nation’s total export value. This category encompasses various refined products, including gasoline, diesel, jet fuel, and other distillates derived from crude oil.TrendEconomy
📈 Export Performance
Qatar’s refined petroleum exports in 2023 totaled $8.54 billion, with a cumulative export volume of 8.8 million metric tons. This performance reflects a significant role of refined petroleum in Qatar’s export portfolio, ranking as the third most exported product after petroleum gases and crude oil. World Integrated Trade Solution
🌍 Key Export Destinations
The primary markets for Qatar’s refined petroleum products in 2023 were:
- China: $2.87 billion (33.6%)
- Japan: $1.95 billion (22.8%)
- Singapore: $449 million (5.3%)
- South Korea: $392 million (4.6%)
- Oman: $339 million (4.0%)The Observatory of Economic Complexity+4TrendEconomy+4The Observatory of Economic Complexity+4
These figures underscore Qatar’s strategic focus on Asian markets for its refined petroleum exports.
🏭 Refining Infrastructure
Qatar’s refining capacity is anchored by two major facilities:
- Umm Said Refinery: Established in 1953, this refinery has undergone several upgrades and currently has a processing capacity of approximately 137,000 barrels per day.Wikipedia
- Laffan Refinery: Located in Ras Laffan Industrial City, the Laffan Refinery complex comprises two trains (LR1 and LR2) with a combined capacity of 292,000 barrels per day. Wikipedia
These facilities enable Qatar to process a significant portion of its crude oil and condensate production into various refined products for both domestic consumption and export.
🔮 Outlook
Looking ahead, Qatar’s refined petroleum sector is poised for continued relevance in the global energy market. While the nation is heavily investing in expanding its liquefied natural gas (LNG) capacity, refined petroleum products remain a vital component of its export economy. However, the sector may face challenges such as fluctuating global oil prices, evolving environmental regulations, and the global shift towards renewable energy sources. 6Wresearch
In summary, refined petroleum oils continue to be a significant export commodity for Qatar, with robust infrastructure and strategic market positioning supporting its role in the international energy trade.
In 2024, Qatar’s chemical fertilizer exports experienced significant growth, marking a notable development in the country’s non-energy export sector.
📈 Export Performance
- Annual Overview: While specific annual totals for 2024 are not provided, quarterly data indicates a substantial increase in chemical fertilizer exports throughout the year.
- Quarterly Highlights:
- Q1 2024: Exports were valued at QR 10.5 million, a decrease of 82.2% compared to QR 58.1 million in Q4 2023.
- Q2 2024: Exports surged to QR 339.45 million, representing an 813.1% year-on-year increase from QR 37.17 million in Q2 2023.
- Q3 2024: Exports amounted to QR 201.18 million, a 7.2% increase compared to QR 187.67 million in Q3 2023.
- Q4 2024: Specific export values are not detailed, but reports indicate that chemical fertilizers were among the top ten commodities with increased export values compared to Q4 2023. Qatar Chamber+3Zawya+3Qatar Chamber+3Qatar ChamberQatar ChamberZawya
🌍 Export Destinations
In Q4 2024, the distribution of Qatar’s chemical fertilizer exports by region was as follows:
- Asian Countries: 90.9%
- Arab Countries: 9.1%
- Oceania and European Union: Smaller shares Trading Economics+3Qatar Chamber+3Qatar Chamber+3
🏭 Industry Players
Key contributors to Qatar’s fertilizer production and export include:IndexBox+26Wresearch+2Qatar Chamber+2
- Qatar Fertiliser Company (QAFCO)
- Qatar Chemical Company Ltd (Q-Chem)
These companies play pivotal roles in the domestic production and supply of fertilizers. 6Wresearch
🔮 Outlook
The significant growth in chemical fertilizer exports in 2024 underscores Qatar’s efforts to diversify its export portfolio beyond hydrocarbons. With strong demand from Asian markets and robust production capabilities, the country is well-positioned to further expand its presence in the global fertilizer market.
In 2024, Qatar’s aluminum and aluminum products exports continued to be a significant contributor to the nation’s non-hydrocarbon export portfolio, ranking among the top five export commodities.
📊 Export Performance
- Annual Export Value: Qatar’s aluminum exports were valued at approximately $1.79 billion, accounting for about 1.83% of the country’s total exports in 2024. Tendata
- Quarterly Trends:
- Q2 2024: Exports reached QR 302 million, marking a 31% decrease compared to QR 438 million in Q1 2024.
- Q3 2024: Exports increased to QR 496.37 million, showing a significant recovery from the previous quarter.
- Q4 2024: Exports further rose to QR 519.53 million, representing a 4.7% quarter-on-quarter increase and a 6.1% year-on-year decrease compared to Q4 2023. Qatar ChamberQatar Chamber
🌍 Key Export Destinations
Qatar’s aluminum products were exported to various countries, with notable shipments to:
- United Arab Emirates
- Vietnam
- Mexico
These destinations reflect Qatar’s strategic trade relationships and the global demand for its aluminum products.
🏭 Industry Infrastructure
The primary producer of aluminum in Qatar is Qatalum, a joint venture between QatarEnergy and Norway’s Hydro Aluminium. Qatalum operates a state-of-the-art smelter with a capacity of approximately 585,000 metric tons per year. The company benefits from a captive power plant and leverages Hydro Aluminium’s global sales network for marketing its products. qamco.com.qa
🔮 Outlook
While Qatar’s aluminum exports faced some fluctuations in 2024, the sector remains robust. Challenges such as reliance on imported raw materials, particularly bauxite, pose risks related to supply chain disruptions and price volatility. However, ongoing investments in infrastructure and strategic partnerships are expected to bolster the industry’s resilience and growth prospects. 6Wresearch
In summary, aluminum and aluminum products continue to play a vital role in Qatar’s export economy, with strong infrastructure and strategic market positioning supporting its role in the international metals trade.
In 2024, Qatar’s chemical exports demonstrated notable growth, underscoring the nation’s strategic efforts to diversify its economy beyond hydrocarbons.
📈 Export Performance
- Overall Growth: Chemical exports surged by 223.3% in Q4 2024 compared to the previous quarter, marking a significant rebound in the sector. Emerging Gulf
- Quarterly Figures:
- Q2 2024: Chemical substances exports amounted to QR 90.1 million, experiencing a slight decrease of 3.4% from the previous quarter. Qatar Chamber
🌍 Export Destinations
Qatar’s chemical exports in Q4 2024 were distributed across various regions:
- GCC Countries: 85%
- Asian Countries: 9%
- African Countries: 3%
- Other European Countries: 1%
🏭 Industry Highlights
Qatar’s chemical industry encompasses a range of products, including:
- Inorganic Chemicals: Exports valued at approximately $1.4 billion
- Organic Chemicals: Exports valued at approximately $1 billion
Key players in the sector include Qatar Petrochemical Company (QAPCO) and Qatar Chemical Company (Q-Chem), both of which contribute significantly to the production and export of chemical products.
🔮 Outlook
The substantial growth in chemical exports reflects Qatar’s commitment to expanding its petrochemical and chemical industries, leveraging its abundant natural gas resources to produce higher-value products. This diversification strategy is pivotal for reducing reliance on energy exports and ensuring long-term economic stability. CEO Today
In summary, the chemical sector’s performance in 2024 highlights Qatar’s successful efforts in economic diversification, positioning the country as a growing player in the global chemical marke
Lotrène® is the brand name for a range of polyethylene products—specifically Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE) and Linear Low-Density Polyethylene (LLDPE)—produced in Qatar by Qatar Petrochemical Company (QAPCO) and its joint venture Qatofin. These polymers are primarily exported and play a significant role in Qatar’s non-hydrocarbon export portfolio.QatarEnergy+3k-online.com+3qapco.com+3qapco.com
🏭 Production and Export Overview
- QAPCO operates three LDPE plants with a combined production capacity exceeding 780 kilotonnes per annum (ktpa). These facilities are among the world’s largest for LDPE production. qapco.com
- Qatofin, a joint venture between QAPCO (63%), TotalEnergies Petrochemicals France (36%), and QatarEnergy (1%), produces LLDPE with a capacity of over 570 ktpa. qapco.com
- The marketing and export of Lotrène® products are managed by Muntajat, Qatar’s state-owned marketing company responsible for exporting the country’s chemical and petrochemical products. Industries Qatar+2k-online.com+2ka-oil.com+2
📦 Product Grades and Applications
Lotrène® offers a diverse range of LDPE and LLDPE grades tailored for various applications:Omnexus+3qapco.com+3k-online.com+3
- LDPE Grades:
- FD0474: High clarity and gloss, suitable for blown and cast film extrusion, used in display and laundry films.
- FD0374: Designed for very thin films in applications like bread bags, garment bags, and newspaper films.
- FE8004: Contains slip agents, produced via tubular high-pressure process, suitable for general-purpose films. QatarEnergy+2Omnexus+2Omnexus+2OmnexusOmnexus
- LLDPE Grades:
- Q2018 Series: Produced using a gas-phase process with butene co-monomer, ideal for blown film applications requiring toughness and flexibility. ka-oil.com+2QatarEnergy+2QatarEnergy+2
These products are widely used in packaging, agricultural films, and various industrial applications.
🌍 Export Markets
Lotrène® products are exported to over 85 countries worldwide. Key markets include:Volza+10USQBC Portal+10Omnexus+10
- Asia: Countries like Vietnam and India are significant importers, utilizing Lotrène® for packaging and industrial applications.
- Europe and Africa: Various nations across these continents import Lotrène® for diverse applications in manufacturing and packaging.
The global reach of Lotrène® underscores Qatar’s position as a leading exporter of polyethylene products.
🔍 Technical Resources
For detailed technical specifications, safety data sheets, and processing guidelines for Lotrène® products, you can refer to QAPCO’s official resources:QatarEnergy+4Omnexus+4Omnexus+4
In summary, Lotrène® represents a cornerstone of Qatar’s petrochemical industry, with extensive production capacities and a broad international market presence.
In 2024, Qatar’s steel and steel products exports demonstrated a dynamic performance, reflecting the nation’s strategic efforts to diversify its economy beyond hydrocarbons.
📊 Export Performance
- Annual Export Value: Qatar’s exports of iron and steel were valued at approximately $503.35 million in 2023, representing about 0.51% of the country’s total exports. Tendata+1Trading Economics+1
- Quarterly Trends:
- Q1 2024: Steel exports amounted to QR 275 million, marking an 89.4% increase compared to QR 145 million in Q4 2023. Zawya+1Economy Middle East+1
- Q3 2024: Steel exports were valued at QR 214.1 million, experiencing a 1.9% decrease from the previous quarter. Economy Middle East
- Q4 2024: Steel product exports increased by 17.4% quarter-on-quarter, contributing to the overall surge in private sector exports during this period. Emerging Gulf
🏭 Key Industry Players
- Qatar Steel: As the nation’s primary steel producer, Qatar Steel reported a total sales volume of approximately 2.7 million tons in 2024, a 38.1% year-on-year increase. Notably, sales of Direct Reduced Iron (DRI) and Hot Briquetted Iron (HBI) reached 1.4 million tons, a 167% increase compared to 2023. Rebar sales accounted for 44% of the total, with 1.2 million tons sold. Aisu Steel
- Algerian Qatari Steel (AQS): A joint venture with 49% ownership by Qatar, AQS exported approximately 700,000 metric tons of steel products in 2024, generating over $360 million in revenue. The company’s products reached 36 international markets, including countries in Europe, America, and Asia. news.mesteel.com+1SteelOrbis+1
🌍 Export Destinations
Qatar’s steel exports were distributed across various regions in 2024:
- Asia (excluding GCC and Arab countries): Received the largest share of private sector exports, amounting to QR 1.02 billion in Q3 2024, which is 40.06% of the total exports. Qatar Chamber+3Economy Middle East+3Zawya+3
- GCC Countries: Accounted for 25.71% of total exports in Q3 2024, with QR 657.55 million worth of goods. Economy Middle East
- Top Individual Countries:
- India: Leading destination with exports close to QR 1.5 billion in Q4 2024, representing 34.3% of total exports. Qatar Chamber+1Emerging Gulf+1
- United Arab Emirates: Received almost QR 638 million, accounting for 14.2% of total exports in Q4 2024. Qatar Chamber+1Emerging Gulf+1
- Bangladesh: Imported about QR 528 million, making up 11.8% of total exports in Q4 2024. Qatar Chamber+1Emerging Gulf+1
🔮 Outlook
The steel sector’s performance in 2024 highlights Qatar’s successful efforts in economic diversification. With significant investments in production capacity and a broad international market presence, Qatar’s steel industry is poised for continued growth in the coming years.
In 2024, Qatar’s petrochemical exports experienced a mixed performance, reflecting both the nation’s strategic diversification efforts and the inherent volatility of global markets.
📉 Export Performance
- Q2 2024: Petrochemical exports amounted to QR 52.9 million, marking a 41.7% decrease compared to the previous quarter. Qatar Chamber
- Q3 2024: Despite the earlier decline, the broader category of chemicals and related products saw a significant increase of QR 1.5 billion (24.5%), indicating a rebound in the sector. CEO Today
🏭 Industry Drivers
Qatar’s petrochemical industry is bolstered by its abundant natural gas reserves, serving as a key feedstock for various chemical products. Major players like QatarEnergy, QAPCO, and Q-Chem are central to this sector, producing a range of products including polyethylene, methanol, and ammonia.
The country’s commitment to the Qatar National Vision 2030 emphasizes diversification, with petrochemicals identified as a strategic sector for reducing reliance on crude oil and LNG exports.
🌍 Export Destinations
While specific destinations for petrochemical exports in 2024 are not detailed, Qatar’s overall export partners include:
- China: Leading destination with exports nearing QR 5.6 billion in September 2024.NPC
- South Korea: Approximately QR 3.0 billion in exports.
- India: Around QR 2.9 billion in exports. NPC
These countries are significant markets for Qatar’s energy and chemical products.
🔮 Outlook
Despite short-term fluctuations, Qatar’s petrochemical sector is poised for growth, supported by ongoing investments and strategic initiatives aimed at expanding production capacities and exploring new markets.
In 2024, Qatar’s paraffin exports experienced significant fluctuations, reflecting both market dynamics and the country’s strategic efforts to diversify its petrochemical sector.
📊 Export Performance by Quarter
- Q1 2024: Paraffin exports reached QR 28.1 million, marking a substantial 184.9% increase compared to QR 9.87 million in Q4 2023. Qatar Chamber+2The Peninsula Newspaper+2Zawya+2
- Q2 2024: Exports slightly increased to QR 29.49 million, indicating a modest 1.6% quarter-on-quarter growth. Qatar Chamber
- Q3 2024: A significant surge occurred, with exports rising to QR 55.6 million, an 88.7% increase from Q2. Qatar Tribune
- Q4 2024: Exports declined to QR 25.34 million, a 54.5% decrease from Q3. However, this still represented a 156.8% year-on-year increase compared to Q4 2023. Qatar Chamber+1Emerging Gulf+1
🏭 Production and Industrial Applications
Qatar’s paraffin production is bolstered by facilities such as the Chlor-Alkali Complex in Mesaieed Industrial City. This facility, a joint venture between KLJ Organic Limited and Qatar Industrial Manufacturing Company (QIMC), produces Chlorinated Paraffin Wax (CPW) for export markets. CPW is utilized in various industries, including plastics, aluminum, paper, textiles, and oil drilling. Klj Group
Additionally, Qatar’s Gas-to-Liquids (GTL) technology, operational since 2011, contributes to the production of normal paraffins (n-paraffins). These are linear hydrocarbons used as raw materials in producing olefins and other petrochemical derivatives. montageoil.com
🌍 Export Destinations
In Q4 2024, Qatar exported paraffin to six regions, with European Union countries accounting for 52% of the total exports. Other significant markets included various Asian countries, reflecting Qatar’s expanding reach in the global paraffin market. Qatar Chamber
🔮 Outlook
The fluctuations in paraffin export values throughout 2024 highlight the sector’s sensitivity to global market conditions. However, the overall year-on-year growth indicates a positive trend. Qatar’s continued investment in petrochemical infrastructure and diversification strategies positions it well to capitalize on future demand in the paraffin market.